2024-25_NTCA_Reference_Manual_dig_dwnld

2024 / 2025 REFERENCE MANUAL National Tile Contractors Association

PROBLEM CHARACTERISTICS CAUSE • CURE • PREVENTION

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The National Tile Contractors Association is proud of the leading role it has played in the growth of the tile industry. One of the most important accomplishments in our history has been the publication of the NTCA Reference Manual . Thanks to the leadership of Robert Roberson of the David Allen Company in the 1980s, the NTCA Technical Committee was re-established and contractors and industry leaders began meeting regularly to address issues related to installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. Joe Tarver, the NTCA Executive Director and his staff at the time, began compiling documents into a binder to share with NTCA Members. The NTCA Reference

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13629 Jackson, MS 39236 U.S.A.

Shipping Address: 626 Lakeland East Drive

Jackson, MS 39232 Tel: 601-939-2071 Fax: 601-932-6117

Bart A. Bettiga

Website: www.tile-assn.com

Manual was soon published, and a valuable member benefit was created. The NTCA Reference Manual is now one of the most highly-valued tile industry documents. In 2016, the NTCA Board of Directors voted to make the manual available to the entire industry. We believe every tile professional involved in specifying, designing, selling and installing ceramic tile should have a current copy of the NTCA Reference Manual and it should be kept nearby, along with ANSI standards and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation . The NTCA Technical Committee is comprised of some of the leading experts in the industry. These members are carefully selected for their expertise in all segments of our trade. On behalf of the NTCA, I would like to personally thank each of those individuals who have generously donated their time and knowledge to make the NTCA Reference Manual the valuable document that it is today. The purpose of the NTCA Reference Manual is to identify recurring challenges to successful installations of tile and stone, recognize potential problems, and to gain consensus from industry experts on offering solutions. Our manual is quite different from invaluable resources available in our industry like the TCNA Handbook and the ANSI standards for tile, stone and glass tile manufacturing and installation. In fact, we believe the NTCA Reference Manual complements these standards and belongs next to them on every industry professional’s computer or office desk. That is why we offer it to everyone at an affordable price. We realize that developing these documents and assuring their accuracy is a never-ending process. There are significant revisions made in this year’s version, as well as new documents that have been added. Examples include an introduction to installation of tile and stone with pedestal systems, modular construction introduction, challenges and considerations when installing Zellige Tiles, and much more. In addition to our traditional problem, prevention and cure format, we also offer numerous letter templates that can be used or modified to address common issues in documentation and negotiation on the jobsite. Many of our members over the years have saved thousands of dollars using these templates and we encourage you to do the same. We now also offer general position statements on many issues as well. Finally, you will notice selected advertising in the NTCA Reference Manual . This is NTCA’s way of thanking our associate supporters who have played such an integral role in the development of these documents. All the companies who have placed advertising in this manual have supported NTCA with membership, sponsorship, technical guidance and assistance in the development of our documents. We urge our contractor and distributor readers to support our associate members whenever possible. On behalf of our staff, officers and committee and board members, we hope you enjoy the 2024/2025 NTCA Reference Manual , and we urge you to tell others of its value.

NTCA would not be possible without the dedicated service of our board and committee members, and regional and ambassador directors. Meet these dedicated volunteers by visiting www. tile-assn.com and clicking on “About Us”. You can also find information and a continually-updated list of NTCA Five-Star Con tractors at www.tile-assn.com – click on Find a Tile Contractor or Consultant. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity association and seeks to include qualified individuals and businesses in all phases of its activities. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. seeks opportunities to include these groups in its programs and activities.

ON THE COVER: NTCA Five-Star Contractor Project of the Year Large Commercial Achievement of Excellence Award Winner –––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lippert Flooring and Tile Milwaukee, Wisconsin –––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lippert Flooring and Tile was awarded the NTCA Five-Star Large Commercial Achievement of

Excellence for their outstanding work on the The Trade Hotel project. The Trade Hotel, an Autograph

Collection Hotel by Marriott, is a signature hotel

adjacent to Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks. Soaring spaces, wood-plank and porcelain tile, Cream City brick, warm colors, and tremendous

views artfully integrate the hotel with its location. The result is beautiful, functional, and unique to Milwaukee. More images of this award winning project can be seen throughout this edition of the NTCA Reference Manual. Congratulations Lippert Flooring and Tile!

Sincerely,

Bart Bettiga NTCA Executive Director

Reference Manual and Specifications

THIS REFERENCE MANUAL IS PUBLISHED AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE EFFORTS OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL TILE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE NATIONAL TILE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

THE NTCA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE The NTCA Technical Committee, a body of highly skilled and experienced members encompassing all segments of the industry, identifies recurring problems encountered by NTCA members, recognizes potential problems and addresses those problems through regularly scheduled meetings. The use of existing technical information and the development of new and innovative documents comprise the contents of the NTCA Reference Manual , which is the direct result of the committee’s efforts. The committee acknowledges the contributions of every member and is cognizant of its role in and its commitment to the total industry; however, its primary focus and concern are in the best interest of the National Tile Contractors Association and its contractor members. WHAT IS THE NTCA REFERENCE MANUAL? The NTCA Reference Manual is a comprehensive culmination of knowledge, research, development and publication of the efforts of the NTCA Technical Committee. While the NTCA Reference Manual may refer to ANSI, ASTM, TCNA and/or other publications, its content does not represent an Industry Standard and is intended to educate those engaged in tile and stone installation, particularly the contractor members of NTCA. Critical and pertinent information in the NTCA Reference Manual is disseminated through members, in TileLetter , TileLetter ARTISAN and other carefully selected industry and non-industry publications. The contents of this manual, other than current approved specifications, are not a specification and should not be quoted or referenced in construction plans or specifications to describe the manner of construction, the materials and products to be used, or for any like purpose. Reference to proprietary products does not imply knowledge of compliance or non-compliance with industry methods, standards, specifications or codes. The illustrations and descriptions have not been tested or profes sionally evaluated by NTCA. They are the compilation of the individual experiences of industry members and the NTCA Techni cal Committee. It is intended only to offer possibilities for causes, correction, and prevention of industry problems; and is to be used with the judgment and experience of the individual craftsman. NTCA expressly disclaims any compliance, guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, for anything described or illustrated herein; and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity association and seeks to include qualified individuals and businesses in all phases of its activities. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. seeks opportunities to include these groups in its programs and activities. It is the policy of the National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. to comply fully and in good faith with the letter and spirit of all antitrust laws and all other laws regulating conduct and trade in the United States. In that regard, members shall not discuss or agree upon prices, pricing policies, bids, freight charges, discounts, surcharges, allowances or other terms and conditions of sale; nor shall they discuss or agree upon supply restrictions, the allocation of customers or markets, group boycotts, or any other activities that have the purpose or effect of lessening competition. These restrictions apply to all meetings and other forms of communication among members, whether formal or informal. The contents of the manual are covered by actual and/or implied copyright restrictions. No part of the contents may be repro duced by any means without permission of NTCA. Limitation on Use and Disclaimer

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

1

NATIONAL TILE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

DAN WELCH Welch Tile & Marble 13864 Eagle Ridge Kent City, MI 49330 t: (616) 675-4740 f: (616) 675-4177 dan@welchtile.com

MARTIN HOWARD David Allen Company, Inc. P. O. Box 27705 Raleigh, NC 27611 t: (919) 821-7100 f: (919) 821-7137 mhoward@davidallen.com JOE KERBER Kerber Tile, Marble & Stone, Inc. 1420 West Third Avenue Shakopee, MN 55379-1013

JAMES WOELFEL Chairman (contractor) Artcraft Granite Marble & Tile 557 South Robson Mesa, AZ 85210-5266

t: (480) 829-9197 f: (480) 350-9139 tile@artcraftgmt.com

MANUFACTURERS (13)

NYLE WADFORD Vice Chairman (contractor) Neuse Tile Service, Inc. 798 Park Avenue Youngsville, NC 27596

NOAH CHITTY AHF Products/Crossville, Inc. P.O. Box 1168 Crossville, TN 38557-1168 t: (931) 456-3908 f: (931) 456-3993 noah.chitty@ahfproducts.com DAVID ECKERT H.B. Fuller/TEC 1105 South Frontenac Street Aurora, IL 60504 o: (639) 952-1351 c: (331) 442-6329 david.eckert@hbfuller.com

t: (952) 445-7392 f: (952) 445-7392 joekerber@comcast.net TODD KOZEY Complete Contracting Co. 31218 Grove

t: (919) 570-7400 f: (919) 570-7401 nyle@neusetile.com

CONTRACTORS (18)

Fraser, MI 48206 t: (586) 873-5595 completecontractingcompany@hotmail.com

MARTIN BROOKES Heritage Marble & Tile Inc. PO Box 2164 Mill Valley, CA 94942 t: (415) 383-1489 f: (415) 888-2020 marbleguy@earthlink.net SAM BRUCE Visalia Tile 917 N. American Street LEE CALLEWAERT Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works 1555 River Bend Road Grafton, WI 53024 c: (262) 421-8301 dragonflytile@wi.rr.com JOHN COX Cox Tile, Inc. 111 East Turbo San Antonio, TX 78216-3314 Visalia, CA 93291 t: (559) 651-2625 c: (559) 804-0418 samb@vctile.com

DAN LAMBERT Lambert Tile & Stone P.O. Box 3960 Eagle, CO 81631 t: (970) 328-4411 info@lambert-tile.com

ERIC EDELMAYER Noble Company

7300 Enterprise Drive Spring Lake, MI 49456 t: (800) 878-5788 c: (616) 268-7420 eric@noblecompany.com

JOSHUA NORDSTROM Tierra Tile

53587 Marimac Ave. Homer, AK 99603 t: (864) 382-6895 onthelevelgreensville@gmail.com

TONY FULLER National Gypsum Company

2001 Rexford Road Charlotte, NC 28211

ROD OWEN CC Owen Tile P.O. Box 625 Jonesboro, GA 30237 c: (770) 596-3739 rodowen@ccowentile.com

t: (800) 628-4662 f: (704) 365-7319 abfuller@nationalgypsum.com

TERRY HALL ARDEX Americas

1022 Fairweather Drive Sacramento, CA 95833

ANGIE RÉ Unique Mosaics 75 W. Truman Ave. South Salt Lake, UT 84115 c: (907) 315-0157 uniquemosaicsbyangie@gmail.com WOODY SANDERS DW Sanders Tile & Stone 1710 Cumberland Point Dr. SE, Ste 3 Marietta, GA 30067 t: (770) 644-0071 woody@dwstile.com

t: (724) 203-5332 c: (916) 768-7008 terry.hall@ardexamericas.com JAMES HARRINGTON Schluter Systems, L.P. 194 Pleasant Ridge Road Plattsburgh, NY 12901-5841 c: (518) 380-4803 jharrington@schluter.com MITCH HAWKINS LATICRETE International Inc. 1 Laticrete Park North Bethany, CT 06525 t: (203) 927-1060 wmhawkins@laticrete.com TOM LONG Daltile 7834 CF Hawn Freeway Dallas, TX 75217 t: (214) 309-4980 thomas.long@daltile.com

t: (210) 340-1122 f: (210) 340-2637 john@coxtile.com

MIKE GILLETT Commercial Ceramic, Inc. PO Box 1093 Peoria, AZ 85380 t: (623) 910-2675 f: (623) 776-2278 comceramics@aol.com

DIRK SULLIVAN Hawthorne Tile 1410 SE Clinton Street Portland, OR 97202 t: (503) 810-9120 f: (503) 231-9799 hawthornetile@msn.com JIM UPTON Tiger Mountain Tile 1420 NW Gillman Blvd. Ste 2 Issaquah, WA 98027 t: (206) 200-8934 jim@tigermountaintile.com

SAM HIBBS Ceramic Tile and Stone Assoc. of Arizona 2116 N. 196th Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326 t: (623) 935-7372 sam@soltraco.com

JAN HOHN Hohn & Hohn, Inc. 1190 Summit Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55105-2649 t: (651) 224-8877 f: (651) 224-0162 hohn.hohn@comcast.net

2

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

LUPE ORTIZ IMTEF 1923 Brienz Way Manteca, CA 95337 t: (510) 206-0042 lortiz@imtef.org CHUCK MUEHLBAUER Natural Stone Institute 5743 Spruce Street St. Cloud, MN 56303

JOSEPH MATTICE Schluter 325 Rocky Slope Road 104 251 Greenville, SC 29607 t: (864) 828-4496 jmattice@schluter.com MIKE MICALIZZI Custom Building Products 10400 Pioneer Blvd. Suite 3 Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 t: (562) 631-2776 f: (562) 903-2697 mmicalizzi@cbpmail.net

LINDELL L. LUMMER Forensic Stone & Tile 2761 Triunfo Canyon Road Cornell, CA 91301 c: (818) 642-0369 t: (818) 706-7369 llummer@earthlink.net

DONATO POMPO Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants P.O. Box 965

t: (320) 230-0728 c: (320) 250-4190 charles@naturalstoneinstitute.org CHRISTOPHER WALKER Chairman ANSI A108 David Allen Company 6775 Kennedy Road, Suite 18 Warrenton, VA 20187 t: (703) 690-4422 f: (703) 368- 1576 chriswalker@davidallen.com

Jamul, CA 91935 t: (866) 669-1550 donato@ctasc.com

ROD SIGMAN Custom Building Products/Aqua Mix 5020 Lakeshore Ranch Road Groveland, FL 34726 c: (817) 602-7762 rods@cbpmail.net

CHRIS WOELFEL J.G. Woelfel & Associates, LLC 557 South Robson Mesa, AZ 85210-5266

t: (480) 518-7072 f: (480) 350-9139 chris@jgwoelfel.com

JIM WHITFIELD MAPEI

NTCA STAFF (5)

ASSOCIATIONS (10)

1144 E. Newport Center Drive Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

BART BETTIGA Executive Director c: (601) 506-1609 bart@tile-assn.com

ERIC ASTRACHAN Tile Council of North America 100 Clemson Research Blvd. Anderson, SC 29625 t: (864) 646-8453 eastrachan@tileusa.com SCOTT M. CAROTHERS Ceramic Tile Education Foundation 5326 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC 2 9670

t: (954) 246-8645 c: (719) 339-1052 jwhitfield@mapei.com

WILLIAM WHITE Custom Building Products 10400 Pioneer Blvd. Ste 3 Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 c: (562) 343-3072 william.white@cbpmail.net

JIM OLSON Asst. Executive Director

c: (601) 942-2996 jim@tile-assn.com

MARK HEINLEIN Training Director c: (906) 361-8821 mark@tile-assn.com ROBB RODERICK Trainer c: (417) 840-4180 robb@tile-assn.com MATT WELNER Trainer c: (828) 448-9270 matt@tile-assn.com

t: (864) 222-2131 f: (864) 222-1299 scott@tilecareer.com DARIN COMPTON IUBAC 6288 Valroy Drive San Jose CA 96123 t: (202) 304-8582 dcompton@bacweb.org

INDEPENDENT MFG. REPRESENTATIVE (1)

BEN SZELL ETM Tools LLC 1930 Vista Way

Margate, FL 33063 c: (954) 224-3945 ben@etmtoolsllc.com

DISTRIBUTION (2)

SCOTT CONWELL International Masonry Institute 2140 Corporate Drive

JOSHUA LEVINSON Artistic Tile Wholesale

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE EMERITUS (4)

Addison, IL 60101 t: (630) 396-3144 c: (312) 857-5667 sconwell@imiweb.com

520 Secaucus Road Secaucus, NJ 07094 t: (201) 864-7000 joshlevinson@artistictile.com

DAVE GOBIS Ceramic Tile Consultant 7630 Douglas Avenue

BRAD DENNY Ceramic Tile Education Foundation 5326 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC 29670

FRANK DONAHUE Best Tiile of Raleigh 2017 Raleigh Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27604 t: (919) 832-1235 fdonahue@besttile.com

Racine, WI 53402 t: (262) 639-2262 c: (262) 994-1175 dave@ceramictileconsultant.com TOM VAUGHN TM Vaughn LLC Consulting 16801 88th Ave. N. Maple Grove, MN 55311 c: (612) 991-9130 tom@tmvaughn.com BUTCH WOELFEL Artcraft Granite Marble & Tile 557 South Robson Mesa, AZ 85210-5266

t: (615) 456-1351 f: (864) 222-1299 brad@tilecareer.com

CONSULTANTS (5)

RICH GALLIANI TSCNC 315 Montgomery St, Suite 914 San Francisco, CA 94104 t: (415) 308-5325 rgalliani@tscnc.org DALE KEMPSTER TTMAC 163 Buttermill Ave, Unit B Concord, ON L4K3X8 o: (800) 667-8746 t: (514) 912-3253 dkempster@schluter.com

RICHARD GOLDBERG Professional Consultants Int. LLC 30 Tower Lane Avon, CT 06001 t: (860) 673-9529 ext. 233 c: (860) 604-0635 rgoldberg@proconweb.com

t: (480) 829-9197 f: (480) 350-9139 tile@artcraftgmt.com STEVE YOUNG Steve Young & Associates 1190 Tal Lewis Road White Plains, GA 30678 c: (770) 331-1981 f: (706) 467-3135 s.young@windstream.net

KENT KLASER Klaser Tile Co., Inc. 592 Pineridge Court

Bonita, CA 91902 t: (619) 884-7565 kent@klaserconsulting.com

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

3

Photo courtesy of NTCA Five-Star Member Lippert Flooring & Tile NTCA Five-Star Project of the Year Large Commercial Achievement of Excellence

Technical Committee Changes to the 2024-25 NTCA Reference Manual

The NTCA Technical Committee is comprised of leading experts in the tile, stone and allied products industry who continually work to update, revise and add new documents to the NTCA Reference Manual . The NTCA Technical Committee meetings are held twice a year and are open to the public. The NTCA encourages your attendance and participation in the important work of the Committee.

Changes to the 2024-25 NTCA Reference Manual are made at the discretion of the NTCA Technical Committee members serving on the Committee. See the NTCA Technical Committee Roster on pages 2-3.

One of the most significant adjustments in this edition of the NTCA Reference Manual is the new, easy-to-read font and the reorganization of the chapters. Additionally, certain documents have been relocated from their former sections to new chapters. This revised structure of the NTCA Reference Manual will facilitate a seamless progression for the end user, guiding them from the initiation of a project to its successful completion.

A special thank you to Dan Lambert of Lambert Tile & Stone and Becky Serbin, NTCA Education and Curriculum Director, for the countless hours they have spent and continue to spend going through the editorial changes of this edition.

EDITORIAL UPDATES Chapter 1 Pre- and Post-Installation Considerations....................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 2 Substrates..................................................................................................................................................39 Chapter 3 Backer Boards and Underlayments.................................................................................................................81 Chapter 4 Membranes . ..........................................................................................................................................103 Chapter 5 Material-Specific Products and Installation................................................................................................... 119 Chapter 6 Natural Stone Installations...........................................................................................................................151 Chapter 7 Thick-Bed Method Installations.................................................................................................................... 175 Chapter 8 Thin-Bed Method Installations.....................................................................................................................185 Chapter 9 Specialized Installation Procedures.............................................................................................................219 Chapter 10 Grouts. ....................................................................................................................................................279 Chapter 11 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................315 Chapter 12 Precautions............................................................................................................................................. 329 Chapter 13 Glossary.................................................................................................................................................. 339 NEW Gauged Porcelain Pavers on Pedestals Introduction.....................................................................................................248 Pavers on Pedestals................................................................................................................................................. 250 Factors Affecting Curbless Showers for the Design Professional....................................................................................264 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" Notch Trowel Precautionary Statement...............................................................................................1981 Modular Construction.................................................................................................................................................20 Prefabricated Movement Joint Profiles (PMJs).............................................................................................................. 26 Shower Floor Use and DCOF Ratings Precautionary Statement......................................................................................252 Zellige Tile Installation Challenges and Considerations.................................................................................................128

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

5

Table of Contents

Reference Manual and Specifications..........................................................................1 Limitation on Use and Disclaimer................................................................................1 2024 NTCA Technical Committee Roster.................................................................2 - 3 Technical Committee Changes to the 2024-25 NTCA Reference Manual......................... 5 CHAPTER 1 PRE- AND POST-INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS .................................11 TCNA Handbook Environmental Exposure Classifications......................................................................................................14 Temporary Protection for Tiled Surfaces (A108.02-3.1.5 and 3.1.6) - Sample Letter for Contractor............................................. 16 Stone, Ceramic, Glass Tile Inspection Checklist. ..................................................................................................................18 Modular Construction........................................................................................................................................................20 Movement Joints.............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Movement Accommodation............................................................................................................................................... 23 Movement Joints – Notes to the Tile Contractor – Sample Letter for Contractor .................................................................. 24 Prefabricated Movement Joints (PMJs)............................................................................................................................... 26 Profiles ..........................................................................................................................................................................28 Profile Issues for Tile & Stone Installations..........................................................................................................................30 Moisture Emissions Installation Precautions....................................................................................................................... 34 Coefficient of Friction and the DCOF AcuTest ® ...................................................................................................................... 36 How Sealers, Treatments and Cleaning Products Can Alter the Dynamic of Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) in Floor Tile..................37 CHAPTER 2 SUBSTRATES.................................................................................... 39 Proper Preparation and ANSI Requirements for Thin-Set Method Tile Installation.................................................................... 42 Proper Preparation and ANSI Requirements for Thin-Set Method - Notes to the Tile Contractor – Sample Letter for Contractor _43 General Statement on Deflection........................................................................................................................................ 44 Ceramic Tile and Stone Installations over Concrete Substrates............................................................................................. 46 Floor Flatness................................................................................................................................................................... 48 Division 3 versus Division 9 Floor Flatness Tolerances – ASCC Position Statement #6.............................................................50 Concrete Flatness and Level.............................................................................................................................................. 52 Floor Flatness Requirements – Request for Information – Sample Contractor Letter.............................................................. 53 Concrete Substrate Issues................................................................................................................................................ 54 Curing Compounds, Release Agents, and Sweeping Compounds...........................................................................................58 Testing for Curing Compounds – Sample Letter for Contractor .......................................................................................... 59 Interior Horizontal Installation of Tile Over Exterior Glue Plywood (EGP) Introduction..............................................................60 Interior Installation of Tile Over Exterior Glue Plywood (EGP)..................................................................................................61 Ceramic and Stone Tile Installation Over Engineered Wood Structural Floor Assemblies..........................................................63 Summary of Subfloor (Plywood or OSB) Design and Construction Guidelines for Tile Installation............................................... 64 Technical Background – Engineered Wood Structural Floor Assemblies.................................................................................65 General Contractor’s Guide for Ceramic and Stone Tile Installations Over Wood Structural Floor Assemblies.............................68 Glossary of Terms for Engineered Wood Products................................................................................................................. 70 Tile Over Wood Sub-Floors – Notes to the Tile Contractor – Sample Letter for Contractor ...................................................... 71 Tile and Stone Applications on Equivalent Gauge (EQ) Steel Framing.......................................................................................72 Tile Over Steel Stud Assembly – Sample Letter for the Contractor ......................................................................................... 73

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

7

Table of Contents (continued)

NTCA White Paper – Wall-Flattening Products. .....................................................................................................................74 Questionable/Unsuitable Substrates.................................................................................................................................. 76 Substrates/Applications that Require Design Consideration..................................................................................................78 CHAPTER 3 BACKER BOARDS AND UNDERLAYMENTS ............................................. 81 Backer Board Definitions................................................................................................................................................... 84 Backer Boards..................................................................................................................................................................86 Introduction to Underlayments........................................................................................................................................90 Poured-Gypsum Underlayments....................................................................................................................................... 92 Tile Over Poured-Gypsum Underlayments and Leveling Materials Caution............................................................................ 93 Tile Over Poured-Gypsum Underlayments and Leveling Materials – Note to the Tile Contractor - Sample Letter for Contractor ....93 Flowable Hydraulic Cement Underlayment (FHU)/Self-Leveling Underlayment (SLU) ............................................................. 94 Loss of Poured/FHU/SLU Underlayment Bond to Substrate.................................................................................................. 95 Underlayment Cracking...................................................................................................................................................96 Underlayment Cracks and Their Treatment – Sample Letter for the Tile Contractor ............................................................ 98 Soft or Powdery Underlayment........................................................................................................................................100 CHAPTER 4 MEMBRANES..................................................................................103 Types of Membranes......................................................................................................................................................106 Crack-Isolation Systems ................................................................................................................................................ 110 Waterproof Membrane Document ....................................................................................................................................112 Slab on Ground Preparation and Precautions for Sheet and Liquid-Applied Crack-Isolation and Waterproofing Membranes ......113 Self-Adhered Crack-Isolation and Sound-Control Membranes ............................................................................................114 CHAPTER 5 MATERIAL-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS AND INSTALLATION...........................119 Tile not Manufactured to Industry Standards...................................................................................................................... 122 Large Porcelain and Glass Bodied Tiles............................................................................................................................ 124 Handmade Tile Installation...............................................................................................................................................126 Handmade Tile Installation Tips and Tricks..........................................................................................................................127 Zellige Tile Installation and Challenges..............................................................................................................................128 Pressed Cement Tile Introduction......................................................................................................................................130 Pressed Cement Tile. .......................................................................................................................................................132 Pressed Cement Tile Maintenance Issues...........................................................................................................................133 Encaustic Tile..................................................................................................................................................................134 Mesh Mounted Mosaics in Wet Areas.................................................................................................................................136 Glass Tile Description.......................................................................................................................................................138 Glass Tile........................................................................................................................................................................140 Glass Tile – Sample Letter for the Tile Contractor............................................................................................................... 142 Pre-mounting Mosaics General Overview...........................................................................................................................144 Pre-mounting Mosaics Methods........................................................................................................................................144 Advantages of Pre-mounted Mosaic Tile Methods. ..............................................................................................................148 CHAPTER 6 NATURAL STONE INSTALLATIONS....................................................... 151 Protection and Maintenance of Natural Stone Floors ...........................................................................................................154 Maintaining Polished Stone Countertops and Bars.............................................................................................................. 157 Maintaining Polished Stone Walls and Base Molding............................................................................................................ 157 Stone in Wet Areas...........................................................................................................................................................158 Stain Removal from Natural Stones....................................................................................................................................160 Stains on Natural Stone....................................................................................................................................................162 Scratches or Dull Traffic Areas in Natural Stone Tile Floors...................................................................................................164 Etched or Dull Areas in Polished Marble Surfaces................................................................................................................165 Cracked Natural Stone Tiles..............................................................................................................................................166 Lippage or Uneven Natural Stone Tiles............................................................................................................................... 167 Mesh-Backed Stone and Tile White Paper...........................................................................................................................168 Repairing Holes on Installed Travertine Tiles....................................................................................................................... 170

8

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

Table of Contents (continued)

Six-Sided Sealing: Its Role in a Water Management System and for Natural Stone and Tile.......................................................171

CHAPTER 7 THICK-BED METHOD INSTALLATIONS.................................................175 Preparation for Thickset Installations per ANSI and TCNA Handbook Methods ..................................................................... 178 Mortar Beds...................................................................................................................................................................180 CHAPTER 8 THIN-BED METHOD INSTALLATIONS .................................................185 Dry-Set Mortar Installation Introduction...........................................................................................................................188 Proper Bedding Procedures............................................................................................................................................190 Box Screed....................................................................................................................................................................196 Trowel Guidelines.......................................................................................................................................................... 197 1/2” x 1/2” x 1/2” Notch Trowel..........................................................................................................................................198 Flat Back-troweling and Notched Back-troweling (Formerly Backbuttering and Buttering)....................................................202 Bonding Large-Size Tile for Coverage, Support and Reduced Lippage (example pictures and video link)................................ 206 Dry-Set Mortar Adheres to Tile but not to Substrate ......................................................................................................... 208 Dry-Set Mortar Adheres to Substrate but not to Tile...........................................................................................................210 Dry-Set Mortar Fractures within Bonding Material – Mortar on Tile And Substrate................................................................. 214 Bond Failure on Exterior Installations. ............................................................................................................................. 215 Tenting. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 216 CHAPTER 9 SPECIALIZED INSTALLATION PROCEDURES........................................219 Critical Lighting Effects on Tile Installations.....................................................................................................................222 Critical Lighting – Tips for the Tile Contractor . ............................................................................................................. 223 Critical Lighting – Sample Letter for the Tile Contractor . ............................................................................................... 223 Critical Lighting – Interior Wall Wash (example pictures)...................................................................................................224 Critical Lighting – Lighting Placement (example pictures)..................................................................................................225 Light Strategy Emphasis for Tiled Wall Surfaces................................................................................................................ 227 Grazing or Horizon Lighting Maximizes Shadow and Texture, often with a Negative Effect (example pictures).........................228 Lippage-Control Devices................................................................................................................................................. 230 Edge and Lippage Mechanical Tuning Devices.....................................................................................................................231 Mitering Tile and Stone Precautions...................................................................................................................................234 Thin Brick Grouting......................................................................................................................................................... 236 Use of Fast-Setting Mortars to Reduce “Down Time” in Freezers or Coolers.........................................................................238 Cold Weather Tiling........................................................................................................................................................239 Radiant Heat Issues for Tile and Stone Installations..........................................................................................................242 Hot Weather Tiling..........................................................................................................................................................244 Prerequisites and Considerations for Successful Balconies, Courtyards, Patios, Plaza Decks, Roofs, Exterior Walking Surfaces and Swimming Pool(s) Decks......................................................................................246 Gauge Porcelain Pavers on Pedestals................................................................................................................................248 Pavers on Pedestals........................................................................................................................................................ 250 Shower Floor Use and DCOF Ratings..................................................................................................................................252 Shower Issues (Tub/Shower Combo and Prefabricated Shower Pans)....................................................................................254 Preformed Shower Receptor Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 258 Glass Enclosure and Waterproof Systems – Sample letter for the General Contractor or Installer......................................... 260 Wood Windows Precautionary – Letter ......................................................................................................................... 261 Recessed Glass in Tile Precautionary – Letter . ..............................................................................................................262 Penetrations in Completed Waterproofed Tile Assemblies Precautionary – Letter ............................................................. 263 Factors Affecting Curbless Showers for the Design Professional...........................................................................................264 Linear Drains Checklist.................................................................................................................................................... 266 Pebble Shower Floors Precautionary – Statement.............................................................................................................. 268 Steam Rooms..................................................................................................................................................................270 Submerged Applications Introduction................................................................................................................................272 Submerged Installations..................................................................................................................................................274

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

9

Table of Contents (continued)

CHAPTER 10 GROUTS........................................................................................279 Grout Selection Guide......................................................................................................................................................282 Choosing Stain-Resistant Grout in Tile Specifications........................................................................................................ 286 High-Performance Cement and Modified Epoxy Mortars and Grouts......................................................................................287 Standard and High-Performance Cement Grouts: High-Performance Cement Grout............................................................................................................................... 288 Efflorescence........................................................................................................................................................... 290 Latex Migration.........................................................................................................................................................294 Crazing and/or Cracking of Grout Joints...................................................................................................................... 295 Low Grout Joints.......................................................................................................................................................297 Pinholes in Grout Joints............................................................................................................................................ 298 Powdery or Soft Grout Joints.....................................................................................................................................300 Rough-Textured Grout Joints......................................................................................................................................301 Inconsistent Grout Color........................................................................................................................................... 302 100% Solids Epoxies and Furan Grouts: Grouting with 100% Solids Epoxy...............................................................................................................................306 Grouting with 100% Solids Epoxy – Tile Contractor’s Sample Letter . ......................................................................... 308 Acceptable Joints when Grouting with 100% Solids Epoxy...........................................................................................309 Low Grout Joints...................................................................................................................................................... 320 Pinholes in Grout Joints..............................................................................................................................................311 Soft Grout Joints.......................................................................................................................................................312 Inconsistent Grout Color............................................................................................................................................313 CHAPTER 11 MAINTENANCE. .............................................................................. 315 Tile Installation Care and Maintenance...............................................................................................................................318 Care and Maintenance Sealers..........................................................................................................................................319 Recommendations for Exterior Tile Maintenance................................................................................................................ 320 Recommendation for Interior and Exterior Maintenance of Polished Porcelain Tiles................................................................322 Maintenance of Textured/Unglazed Porcelain Tiles..............................................................................................................322 Use of Porcelain Tiles – Sample Letter.............................................................................................................................. 323 Grout Haze on Textured/Unglazed Porcelain Tiles................................................................................................................324 Grout Haze on Polished Porcelain Tiles...............................................................................................................................324 Care and Maintenance Helpful Hints..................................................................................................................................325 Care and Maintenance Problem Solving............................................................................................................................ 326 CHAPTER 12 PRECAUTIONS............................................................................... 329 Mold – What It Is and What to Do About it...........................................................................................................................332 Tile over Other Surfacing Materials – TCNA Handbook Method TR711 (Asbestos Fiber Warning)................................................ 333 Tile over Other Surfaces................................................................................................................................................... 334 Spot Bonding.................................................................................................................................................................. 335 Use of Felt and Similar Products as Crack-Isolation Membrane.............................................................................................337 Optical Hazing Possibly Caused by Post-Fire Organic Coatings and/or Polishing Inconsistencies........................................... 338 CHAPTER 13 GLOSSARY.................................................................................... 339 INDEX OF TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................... 364 INDEX OF CONTRACTOR LETTERS........................................................................367 ADVERTISER INDEX.......................................................................................... 368

10

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025